TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Salt water taffy is one step closer to becoming New Jersey's official state candy.

Students and staff at a hearing about designating taffy as the state candy
Students and staff at a hearing about designating taffy as the state candy (Assembly Democrats)
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The Assembly approved a bill Monday that would honor the sugar-laden confection with the designation. It now heads to the state Senate.

Assemblyman John Wisniewski had introduced the measure at the request of some fifth-graders from Sayreville's Samsel Upper Elementary School. That followed a presentation he made to the students on how a bill becomes a law.

The youths had testified on the measure during a committee hearing earlier this month. They said designating an official state candy could help boost tourism at the Jersey shore

The soft taffy became popular as a souvenir in Atlantic City in the late 19th century. It does not contain any salt water.

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